62-cent tax on cigarettes goes in effect tomorrow

A 62-cent tax hike on the price of cigarettes goes into effect tomorrow.

Smokers on Staten Island are going to have to dig deeper to buy a pack of cigarettes tomorrow.

The 62-cent federal excise tax increase takes goes into effect tomorrow, shoving the cost of cigarettes to at least $9 a pack -- or $250 a month for pack-a-day smokers.

To help New Yorkers who want to quit, the city will offer free nicotine patches at Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) locations and other community sites across the five boroughs.

On Staten Island, smokers can go to the Staten Island University Hospital campuses in Ocean Breeze and Prince's Bay from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow to receive free patches.

"Now is the time to quit," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. "Smoking is hurting your health and your wallet. For the many New Yorkers looking to save money during these tough times, this is a great way to do it. You will feel better, your families will be safer, and you will save thousands of dollars."

The increase is expected to prompt 41,000 smokers in the state to quit, according to American Cancer Society figures.

For additional help quitting, Staten Islanders can reach out to Staten Island Quits, a campaign founded American Cancer Society, which offers free patches, counseling and other services. Staten Island Quits can be reached at 1-800-227-2345.